Mattson Tomlin, co-writer of The Batman Part II, says Hollywood is shifting its attention from comic book franchises to video game adaptations. For more than a decade, superhero movies dominated Hollywood’s biggest franchise plans, with comic book adaptations driving both the box office and streaming platforms. But as studios search for their next blockbuster formula, the entertainment landscape appears to be entering another major transition.

That shift is becoming increasingly noticeable behind the scenes as well. While established comic book properties remain valuable, filmmakers are beginning to point toward a different source of inspiration that could define the industry’s next era of franchise filmmaking.

Mattson Tomlin believes the industry’s focus is moving beyond comics

Mattson Tomlin, who is co-writing The Batman Part II alongside Matt Reeves, recently shared his thoughts on how Hollywood’s priorities are changing. Responding to questions on X about a Mega Man movie he was once attached to, Tomlin suggested that video game adaptations are quickly replacing comic books as studios’ preferred source material.

“Hollywood is sort of making a shift from being comic book obsessed to video game obsessed so I wouldn’t be surprised if it sees the light of day in some form, but after so much time gone by, it’s unlikely I’ll have anything to do with it,” Tomlin wrote on X.

He later reinforced the trend with another observation from his own experience, revealing that he is receiving “at least 5x more offers for video game adaptations than comic book adaptations this year.” His comments come as successful adaptations such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, A Minecraft Movie, The Last of Us, and Fallout continue to prove that gaming franchises can attract massive audiences.

While Tomlin sees the industry shifting, his own attention remains on Gotham’s next chapter.

Colin Farrell teases a darker story despite limited Penguin role

Although Tomlin has been discussing Hollywood’s changing priorities, work continues on The Batman Part II. Speaking to ScreenRant while promoting Sugar Season 2, Colin Farrell revealed that he has already read the complete screenplay co-written by Matt Reeves and Tomlin and described it in glowing terms.

“I got to read from the first to last page, and it’s really magnificent,” Farrell said before calling the sequel “a really kind of dark and at times terrifying piece” that is also “psychologically weighty and nuanced.”

Despite earning widespread acclaim for HBO’s The Penguin, Farrell confirmed that Oswald Cobblepot will only appear briefly in the sequel.

“I’m only in two scenes, which is great because it means I can enjoy the rest of the film,” he joked, adding that he considers the project “a contemporary genre masterpiece.” His comments suggest that Reeves is leaning even further into Gotham’s emotional and psychological darkness while keeping the Penguin’s role focused.

As The Batman Part II continues development, Tomlin’s comments offer an interesting glimpse into where Hollywood may be headed next. Even one of the writers behind one of the most anticipated superhero films believes video games are becoming the industry’s newest franchise obsession, even as Gotham prepares to return to the big screen.

What do you think, is Hollywood right to focus on video game adaptations? Let us know in the comments!